Creosotebush

Bare ground surrounding a creosotebush living in rocky soil.

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Known as chaparral, greasewood, or its Spanish name, gobernadora, creosotebush (Larrea tridentate) is a popular plant in the medicinal plant community. This three to eight foot tall shrub has been used for centuries to treat many kinds of infections and ailments. Crinkled yellow flowers appear in late spring and last through much of the summer before giving way to fuzzy, white capsules that hold the seeds of future generations. While many people find the strong aroma of creosote refreshing, there are some who find it disagreeable. Its unique scent originates from the lemon-lime colored leaves which are coated in a waxy resin that smells strongly of freshly fallen desert rain. With its scent and evergreen leaves, creosote provides a glimmer of springtime throughout the year in an otherwise desolate place. The oils of the creosotebush diffuse into the air and the powerful smell becomes even stronger. This gives desert rainstorms their distinct and notable flavor.

Sometimes living up to 150 years old the creosotebush is able to reproduce in two separate ways. One such way is by producing clones. The plant sends up new shoots on the outside of the stem and the older stem, usually found in the center of the plant, will die. Another way creosote may reproduce is through seed production. However, the seeds of which are abundantly produced and contain 6 sets of chromosomes, have a very low survival rate.

Creosotebush is commonly found on Parashant National Monument partly because it does so well at eliminating competition. When looking closely around the bases of the creosote plants, you will find little else growing. There is generally a barren circle extending out a few feet from each plant due to the fact that the plants roots are shallow and it is adept at collecting the faintest traces of moisture in the soil leaving little for other plants to use. It is also thought to be allelopathic, meaning it releases an inhibitory chemical into the nearby soil which inhibits the root growth of other plants. Despite its tenacity, creosotebush is vitally important to the ecology of the Mojave Desert. It provides shade and cover for plants, and an excellent place for jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, desert tortoises, kit foxes, and many other animals to build their burrows and dens. These characteristics and behaviors are the inspiration for the Spanish name "gobernadora" - meaning governess. From this lofty perch in the desert plant hierarchy, the creosote bush rules as a beautiful, successful, and only somewhat spiteful monarch of the land.

 

The yellow blossoms of the creosotebush give way to cottony seed heads near the end of summer.

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